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Posted by Allen Newton
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23 July, 2026
THE Westport program has entered a new phase of delivery, with the state government releasing its preferred design for the future container port at Kwinana, securing a $1.1 billion funding package for enabling works, and introducing legislation to establish a statutory authority to oversee construction.
The preferred design, published this month, confirms the new terminal will be built between Barter Road and Mason Road in the Kwinana Industrial Area, supported by a dedicated freight corridor along Anketell Road and Thomas Road.
The plan includes a new deep‑water shipping channel in Cockburn Sound to accommodate larger vessels and upgraded road and rail connections linking the Western Trade Coast to the Kwinana Freeway, Roe Highway and the Kenwick–Kewdale–Forrestfield logistics precinct.
The design release follows a joint federal–state announcement of $1.1 billion for enabling infrastructure, including the expansion of Anketell Road to four lanes, grade separation at Rockingham Road and freight‑route upgrades intended to shift heavy vehicles away from residential areas.
The package is the largest single funding commitment tied directly to Westport and is aimed at preparing the corridor for future port operations.
To support delivery, the Cook government has also introduced the Westport Bill 2026, establishing a standalone Westport Authority with powers to plan, procure and manage the new port and its associated road and rail works.
The authority will operate as a Crown entity similar to WA’s existing port and redevelopment authorities, with responsibility for land management, commercial agreements and long‑term infrastructure coordination.
The combined announcements mark the clearest transition yet from planning to delivery for the long‑running project, which has spent several years in business‑case development and technical definition.
Detailed environmental approvals, cost refinement and construction sequencing are continuing as the program advances toward a build expected to take more than a decade.
Industry stakeholders say the shift to a statutory authority and the confirmation of a preferred design provide greater certainty for freight operators, logistics providers and investors preparing for the eventual relocation of container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana.
